Calphalon

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Calphalon

71 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 31, 2025

  I never want to buy cookware again

  Enameled Dutch Oven (6 qt) Ten Inch Cast Iron Skillet 12 Inch stainless steel skillet 10 inch saucepan. You can do pretty much everything you want to do with those and with Le Cruesett, Lodge, All Clad, and Calphalon, you’ll be able to have those warhorses for life.

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• #2Dec 30, 2025

  I never want to buy cookware again

  I agree stainless is 100% the way to go - the higher the ply (aim for 5!) and the grade (18/10 is the highest) makes it more resistant to warping, staining, etc. Make sure to get a continuous piece of metal, not one with an extra piece bolted to the bottom. Those will rust out and warp eventually. My parents have had a Calphalon set for 30 years that looks just as good as when they bought it, and they are avid cooks. We just bought the premier line for ourselves. It was a bit more affordable than the All-Clad counterpart and we didn't have to put up with AC's horrendously shaped (IMO) handle. Cast iron is another winner - and while Lodge will 100% do the job great for the price point, we have warped two or so pans over the years. Also, Lodge sand-finishes their pieces in production, which is cost-effective but comes at the price of a grittier, more stick-prone finish. Recently, we have been picking up vintage cast iron pieces at estate and antique sales to replace our Lodges. Many of our vintage pieces are cheaper than Lodge, have more character, and the finishes are as smooth as butter. My last note on dutch ovens - I have the trifecta: 1 Staub, 1 Le Cruset, and 1 Lodge. The inside enamel on the Lodge started chipping about 3 years in and is now only used for sourdough bread baking in a high-heat oven. My MIL's went after a year. Quality between Staub and Le Cruset is neck-and-neck in my use-case. I was gifted both around 9 and 10 years ago and they likely came from a discount store like TJ Maxx. Between the two, I would just go with whatever you can get at the best price for the style you like most! Stores like Crate and Barrel often will put their floor models on deep discount - just ensure there are no chips or cracks along the rim and lid!

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• #3Dec 30, 2025

  I never want to buy cookware again

  I have a stainless steel saucier w/ glass lid, from Calphalon, bought at an outlet store at least 20 years ago. I use it multiple times a week and use the dishwasher. I expect to have it forever. My other daily drivers are a vintage cast iron and modern carbon steel pan, but those are not dishwasher safe so don't meet your criteria. I have a friend who buys All Clad from their seconds sales. I haven't needed anything or I would consider that as well. I expect those items will also last his entire life.

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• #4Dec 30, 2025

  I never want to buy cookware again

  I had a large set of surgical stainless steel Saladmaster pans that I lost in a divorce. Those things will last forever. I’ve replaced them with a couple sets of Calphalon Premier stainless steel and I am very happy with them. I don’t foresee ever needing to replace them. I bought the space saving stackable line so they take up less space.

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• #5Dec 30, 2025

  I never want to buy cookware again

  Not at all. For skillets, go for allclad, madein, misen, or calphalon. Maybe even consider carbon steel (have one from oxo I love). For a saucepan, I have a 3qt calohalon saucier that they don’t make anymore, but I have made in’s 2 qt saucier, I imagine they’re 3 qt is great too.

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• #6Dec 30, 2025

  I never want to buy cookware again

  We have had our calphalon stainless for 20+ years, no issue. Non-stick, you will have to replace and be careful not to let metal touch it. That said, there are many brands out there - someone I know just bought a set called Made In (Italy) which is 5-ply for induction. https://madeincookware.com/ - not sure how it will hold up but looks nice and they waited for a package deal that was less than All-Clad. If you live near a restaurant supply store, that is another option.

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• #7Dec 30, 2025

  I never want to buy cookware again

  I’ve had my calphalon pans for twenty years and they’re still in great shape here too

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• #8Dec 30, 2025

  I never want to buy cookware again

  Any high quality stainless cookware should last a very long time. My folks have had a Calphalon set for 20+ years and it still looks great and is just as functional as new.

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• #9Dec 30, 2025

  I never want to buy cookware again

  Agreed, our calphalon stainless set of pans are going strong now in year 17. That said, I *love* my new Viking pure glide titanium pan. It is slick and should last as long.

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• #10Dec 5, 2025

  Looking for a large egg circle

  I came to suggest this. I have a Calphalon 8" that gets used for nothing but eggs.

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• #11Dec 1, 2025

  Which type of pan is the BIFL king?

  yup, i use an 80+year old Griswold right next to a 10 year old Lodge and both are great. Same goes for my 15 year old Stainless Calphalon.

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• #12Nov 3, 2025

  What's the best cookware you've ever had?

  Stainless Calphalon 25 years looks new

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• #13Nov 3, 2025

  What's the best cookware you've ever had?

  Calphalon restaurant ware.

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• #14Nov 2, 2025

  What's the best cookware you've ever had?

  I’m not rich, but I splurge on Calphalon. My few pots by them are the best ones I’ve had for years.

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• #15Nov 2, 2025

  What's the best cookware you've ever had?

  We have a Calphalon stainless cookwear set we got for our wedding 19 years ago. Still like new. Also my Lodge cast iron skillet and my LeCreuset enamel dutch oven.

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• #16Nov 2, 2025

  What's the best cookware you've ever had?

  In the past, Calphalon. But now I'm 100% impressed with the "Cook's Standard" brand available on Amazon.

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• #17Nov 2, 2025

  Suggestions for cookware

  Non-stick is non-bifl. It's expected to last only a year or so with use. Even so, high quality non-stick lasts longer than the cheap stuff. Try Tramontina, all-clad, le creuset, caphalon, or even cuisinart. Better, try carbon steel. It's mostly non-stick when properly seasoned, and will last for generations. Cast iron is the same, just harder to work with because it's so friggin' heavy. Best of luck.

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• #18Nov 2, 2025

  What's the best cookware you've ever had?

  I love my Calphalon One Infused Anodised pans.

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• #19Nov 2, 2025

  What's the best cookware you've ever had?

  The best was actually some 5 layer Calphalon, similar to All-Clad and it was a trial piece to see what I liked. I’m ditching all my teflon skillets and hunting ceramic finished skillets, but I want the layers for even heating. I sampled a Green Pan and a T-Fal skillet to try out and I’m just whelmed. Not overwhelmed. Not underwhelmed. Just whelmed. The greatest value was a 8.5 qt Staub oval Dutch oven. Insanely useful and wonderful to use on the stove or in the oven.

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• #20Nov 2, 2025

  What's the best cookware you've ever had?

  Tri-play stainless steel pots and pans for everyday - can go in the oven and the dishwasher. Learn how to use butter or oil to create nonstick surface. I have all second-hand tramontina, cuisinart, calphalon, kirkland, and all-clad. If I purchased new, I would get the tramontina for sure, used the hell out of all of them. Enameled cast iron dutch oven for soups, stews, roasts, and bread - I have a lodge, tramontina, and le creuset. I'd go for the tramontina again, but I haven't used mine much, so maybe look for yourself. Cast iron skillet for steaks and cooking on grill and maybe a cast iron griddle if you'd like - any well known brand, easy to get used One 10" or 12" nonstick cheap skillet for various things like maybe low cal hash browns - I like the tramontina brand again here - they make the sams club skillets I believe. These will never be BIFL so I just don't use mine much anyway - optional And you should be set for life and then some.

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• #21Nov 2, 2025

  What's the best cookware you've ever had?

  we just have calphalon non stick, the one with the lifetime warranty, have returned a few and gotten new ones for free, now they just make you send them photos vs sending them back

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• #22Nov 2, 2025

  What's the best cookware you've ever had?

  There is no such thing as BIFL Teflon cookware. I like the Cephalon stackable pots and pans set. Less lids to keep track of, and space saving. They come in stainless or Teflon coated.

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• #23Oct 6, 2025

  Feedback from someone who listened - thanks!

  It's too thin. Doesn't hold heat, doesn't heat evenly without hot spots. Makes it impossible to get an even sear. Sautéed veggies must be moved around to cook evenly. It's not engineered well enough to compete with all clad, or even cheaper end stainless like calphalon. Great durability on a budget, but if you're a serious home cook, you'll benefit greatly from a professional set of tools.

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• #24Sep 5, 2025

  What frying pans are we buying? Tired of nonstick pans that only last 6 months.

  Stainless steel has been my ride or die for years. It's pretty bombproof. I have them in Kitchenaid, Calphalon, and All-Clad.

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• #25Sep 5, 2025

  What frying pans are we buying? Tired of nonstick pans that only last 6 months.

  My mom got us a set of calphalon as a housewarming gift 5 years ago which are phenomenal as far as nonstick goes. But, they won’t last forever. When I go to replace them in 10 years, I think I’ll go stainless steel.

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• #26Sep 4, 2025

  What frying pans are we buying? Tired of nonstick pans that only last 6 months.

  We’ve been using the same stainless steel pots and pans from Calphalon for about 12 years. Still rock solid.

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• #27Aug 3, 2025

  What’s the pan everyone needs that’s BIFL?

  I’ve had my set of stainless steel Calphalon for nearly 20 years. Still like new.

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• #28Aug 3, 2025

  What’s the pan everyone needs that’s BIFL?

  Cast iron, Le Creuset, or All Clad, generally. My All-Clad Emeril everyday pan is stainless steel and it is great. (Been using it for almost 30 years- The pan has lasted far longer than he did, I guess…). Have been using a cast iron that I got from my dad, and I expect to pass it on to my son or daughter. I also have a pan from Le Creuset and I use it regularly, although I have to careful to not damage the enamel. It is also quite heavy. I also have an anodized aluminum wok-like pan from Calphalon that I have been using at least twice a week for almost 20 years.

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• #29Aug 3, 2025

  What’s the pan everyone needs that’s BIFL?

  - Cast iron for sure. Lodge is fabulous. - Stainless from AllClad or Made In or Calphalon. (Tho consider ensuring they’re induction compatible). - A couple of carbon steel fry pans. - A cheap carbon steel wok (again, consider induction compatible like the Yosukata).

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• #30Aug 3, 2025

  What’s the pan everyone needs that’s BIFL?

  Stainless, carbon steel or cast iron. Super happy with the Calphalon 5 ply stainless set we have. I do supplement with two non stick pans for certain things

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• #31Jul 6, 2025

  Looking for partner-proof cookware

  Viking and calphalon make some really good stuff as long as you know what you want!

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• #32Jul 5, 2025

  Stainless steel pans

  Calphalon ® Premier Non-Stick Mineral Shield available on Crate&Barrel are wonderful.

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• #33Jul 3, 2025

  What purchase changed your habit?

  It doesn’t really matter, it’s just metal. Thickness is the major thing you’ll be looking at, and it’s more for the carbon steel than stainless. I’ve got stainless steel Calphalon and All-Clad pans and they perform equally well. The expensive all-clad were wedding gifts, and the cheap ones I got on my own. I’ve had a few of each for over a decade, no issues. For carbon steel, I got some cheap Belle Vie and Ballarini pans and they’ve been great. There is a learning curve though. Amazon often sells returned pans for cheap, because people get frustrated when they can’t figure out how to use them and return them barely used - so check here first.

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• #34Jul 3, 2025

  Ever Bought Something That Quietly Changed You?

  A few things come to mind, all of them purchased or received as gifts decades ago and have been in regular if not daily use since: -Barbour waxed jackets and hat (I live in a climate where it’s wet Oct-at least May. I have them repaired and reproofed as needed, have replaced one barn jacket that was finally EOL after more than 20 years. Even in the nastiest sideways sleet, every part of me covered by Barbour is dry and comfortable. -Set of Calphalon anodized aluminum pots and pans (quality back in the day was different than today, brand has probably changed ownership multiple times since I received these from my parents as an apartment-warming gift). They heat evenly and clean up easily, total workhorses. Still my everyday go-to pots and pans. And I do mean every day - we eat almost all meals at home and I’m the primary cook. -Set of Henckels knives I bought at Costco as one of my first big adult kitchen tool splurges. I’ve kept them sharpened and have always hand washed them. When my brother in law, who is French and an accomplished home chef, visited recently and was helping us prep pizza toppings, he complimented us on the quality and sharpness of our knives. And he’s Definitely not the type of guy who tosses out compliments like candy at a parade, is very opinionated. -The absolute beast that is my SEBO upright vacuum (could probably strip wallpaper with it). -The circa 1920s shell edge Wedgwood china we use every day. It’s beautiful, looks delicate, but still goes in the dishwasher without an issue. Makes even the most basic omelet or tuna sandwich look kinda fancy. My mom bought the whole set (service for 12 with serving pieces!) at a garage sale for practically nothing. -The solid maple queen sized Mission style bed frame my parents bought for me when I moved into my first apartment. Today? Different mattress of course, but bed frame still going strong and practically unscathed, even after multiple long-distance moves.

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• #35Jul 2, 2025

  Name your top 5 BIFL items

  BIFL: 1) Calphalon Cast Iron Dutch Oven- 15 years young 2) Not exactly BIFL but my Smartwool socks are still doing well. My very first pair I've had for 10ish years and still wear once a week. 3) Klean Kanteen tumbler for coffee. I wanted to change it for a Zojirushi once it died. It's been 12 years. 4) Shun 6" chef knife. -15 years.- Also not BIFL but 15 years strong is still pretty good. 5) No name dresser that my dad bought when I was a kid. All wood and good rollers. Decades.

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• #36Jun 10, 2025

  Need a nonstick Cookware Set without Teflon recommendation

  This answer needs to be the first one. Stainless steel will last a lifetime, as well as properly cared for enameled cast iron. I've tried countless "non-stick" pans, all the way up the price brackets, and none last longer than 12-18 months with regular use. I read somewhere they aren't designed for lifetime use, though I can't recall where I saw that. Anyway, rather than replacing my nonstick pans again for the 4th year in a row, I invested in a couple Staub enameled cast iron pans to add to my stainless steel pans. I will add, if you're dead set on non-stick, my Calphalon non-stick cookware lasted way longer than anything else - multiple years of good use. I keep their nonstick sauce pot for making rice, it has been 10+ years and going strong. The outside of it is beat, but the non-stick surface is flawless. (Only the sauce pot, the pans I ditched a long time ago.)

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• #37Jun 7, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  Random box full of wooden backscratchers that was buried in my grandmothers basement for at least 30years, found them in 2009 when she passed. We have them scattered around each of our houses and use them not only as scratchers, but also as extend your reach tools for grabbing things that have gone under furniture and such. They’re sturdy as hell and will definitely outlive me. She also had an old kitchenaid stand mixer from the 1960s that finally gave up the ghost back in 2010 ish after a marathon fudge making session 😂 I’m in LOOOOVE with Texas ware plastic bowls. My favorite, was my granny’s and purchased sometime in the 60s (go figure right lol). It’s ugly as sin but in perfect shape. So far they’re the only bowls I’ve ever found to have a completely smooth inside, so you don’t have to worry about things getting stuck in the lip that’s around the bottom of most mixing bowls. No cakes with random unmixed dry ingredients just chillin at the bottom. They come in all different sizes and colors and I usually find them on eBay or in thrift stores. The Tupperware canisters that mom and I both use for flour/sugar/etc were also granny’s and purchased sometime in the 60’s-70’s. They still seal perfectly. Flannel mens long night shirt that was bought as a gag gift for my grandfather in the 70s, I have it now. Several Pew pews that are older than I am, still in excellent condition. Calphalon pots and pans purchased in 2010, still in perfect shape after being used pretty much daily since. Solid slate top pool table purchased in the 50’s that’s still in excellent shape and has had 4 generations of our family and friends shooting pool on it. Otherwise we have a bunch of things that are older than I am (35) or that were purchased during the first 10-15 years of my life, that are still used all the time: freebie plastic kids cups from various restaurants that are still alive and kickin, some of the thicker plastic collectible cups from McDonald’s and Burger King, ceramic Campbells soup bowls, plastic paper-plate holders, an awesome mini fridge that finally stopped working last year - going to see if it can be fixed, old navy workout pants/leggings from 20ish years ago that are perfect aside from some bleach stains acquired during cleaning the house, 50+ year old well loved moka pot that was passed on to me, 20ish year old pampered chef self warming ice cream scoop, ottlite lamps in different sizes used daily over the last 15 years never changed a single bulb, I use an old pair of firefighting gloves for oven mitts - I wore them for my first 2-3 years while firefighting (06-08 ish) before I got a new pair and these were retired to my kitchen as they’re still in perfect condition, the bedsheets that every kid had in the 90s with 101 Dalmatians and lion king print, a king sized feather bed/comforter purchased in the 90s and used daily since. We’ve had a bunch of great things purchased over the years that have lasted WAY longer than we expected them to. My hubby is still somewhat surprised when I pull out random things in great shape, that he’s never seen and I tell him they were my grandmothers when she bought her first house. I furnished my first house with so many different things of hers, especially kitchenware and furniture, and they’ve held up perfectly, so why spend the money to buy new ones 🤷🏼‍♀️

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• #38Jun 7, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  I’ve had my calphalon set since 2010 and I LOOOOVE it! 15 years of use and abuse and they’re still in perfect condition 🩷

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• #39Jun 6, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  A set of Calphalon stainless cookware. I bought it when I left my ex-husband in 2003 just because I needed pots and pans. The saucepans are used almost every day and they’re still in great condition! Also some bamboo spoons and spatulas that I bought in 2006. They look terrible, the end of one is burnt from being laid on a hot burner, and they get used almost every day!

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• #40Jun 4, 2025

  What’s one thing you bought once and it’s still going strong years later?

  I bought a reasonably priced set of stainless steel Calphalon pots and pans in 2002 when I left my ex. I’m still using them and they’re in great shape!!! I occasionally give them a good scrubbing with Barkeepers Friend when the bottoms start looking bad.

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• #41May 11, 2025

  What are some items under $500 you’ve made so far that changed your life?

  A bidet. During COVID when everyone was going insane, not finding tp, everyone used our master bedroom bidet, we installed a second one for the kids’ bathroom, and wow. We have not bought toilet paper in four years… well, we did buy TP once when my FIL came to stay with us over the holidays because he refused to use the bidet. A good set of stainless steel, triply pots and pans. My last Calphalon set lasted me 24 years. I just replaced them because the handles were finally getting hot and they’re not supposed to so I bought a new set. A friend of mine wanted the old set so I let them have it. A good, honest to the universe Japan, Japanese. My old knife lasted 25 years. Just this year, I replaced it because it was starting to hurt to use it at the handle, and it had been sharpened so much, it was actually getting too thin up the core. I bought a set of two Bunkas for $200 made by Yaxel. They should last me a lifetime. We have a 3-ton air conditioning unit that is loud as it is a voracious power eater. In my area there is a place that does auctions for returned or unsold items from places like Costco, Best Buy, or the LG and GE factories. I bought a pallet of window air conditioners that hang out of the windows for about $100 for five. We set one in each bedroom, the family room and have one left over for backup. That has kept our home nice and chilled during hot days, and has reduced the consumption of power we would otherwise have with the 3-ton AC unit. She is loud and old and used to wasting so much energy, the power used has gone down by 70% which in turn saves us a lot per kWh. Lastly, bought 3 in 1 jackets from Columbia for everyone at home. These are jackets that will unequivocally keep you warm during cold weather, or windy nights, or rain/snow. Bought them on sale for about $80-120 at the Columbia site, and they have lasted us years and still look like new. Always invest in a warm jacket that has many uses if you can splurge. Life changer. For other small things, use OfferUp, local auction sites, or estate sales. I have switched appliances through auction for the fraction of the price of brand new ones. Did with the fridge, stove, dishwasher, laundry, and now AC.

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• #42May 11, 2025

  Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products

  Calphalon, oneida, and Cuisinart knives, but specifically the first 2 i consider to be BIFL because I've had a stainless steel pots and pans set by Calphalon and a complete with service flatware set by Oneida for over 20 years now, and every piece is still going strong.

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• #43May 11, 2025

  What are some items under $500 you’ve made so far that changed your life?

  Calphalon stainless steel set of pots and pans, set of Cuisinart knives, and Oneida flatware. My grandma bought me a huge set of each 20+ years ago, and everything is still going as strong as it did the day I got it. I know she spent a good chunk of change on them at Macy's as a b-day present for me after I bought my home. I'm 99% certain they will last me until death, haha.

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• #44May 8, 2025

  Looking for a small 6inch pan with a lid

  Splurge. Get a 4 qt Calphalon commercial. You’ll have it forever if correctly cared for.

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• #45May 8, 2025

  Is it necessary to spend $40 or $50 for an 8-10” ceramic skillet?

  OXO is shit. Utter garbage. If you want nonstick, grab commercial calphalon. Otherwise, good stainless or carbon steel pans are lovely. Cast iron requires a learning curve, but it’s great.

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• #46May 7, 2025

  So is there really no non-stick pan that is safe to use as long as it isn’t chipped?

  Calphalon ceramic Oven safe Dishwasher safe Non stick Safe with all cooktops and utensils $150 for 12" frying pan Lifetime warranty [https://www.calphalon.com/cookware/cookware-by-material/ceramic-cookware/premier-ceramic-nonstick-12-frying-pan-with-lid-midnight-blue/SAP_2199786.html](https://www.calphalon.com/cookware/cookware-by-material/ceramic-cookware/premier-ceramic-nonstick-12-frying-pan-with-lid-midnight-blue/SAP_2199786.html) The reason is that the sub/site has been compromised with astroturfing bots. It's basically become an aditoral

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• #47May 7, 2025

  This restoration belongs here

  People aren't being "brainwashed" into anything. Even less expensive clad pans like Tramontina and Calphalon's tri-ply pans are objectively better than Revere Ware. Revere Ware even from before 1968 was only about 1.4mm thick total on the bottom. That is far too thin and would easily warp after a few uses. The thickness of the copper is 0.5mm which isn't enough to conduct all that well. Half a milimeter of copper performs similarly to 1mm of aluminum, which even Calphalon's tri-ply has more of. Tramontina's aluminum is about 1.7mm thick. Revere Ware is too thin to hold any heat, can't spread it as evenly as even the thinnest of fully clad pans, and warps easily. Revere Ware lasts longer than any nonstick coated pan and is lighter than most everything, but that's about the only things they've got going for them.

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• #48Apr 14, 2025

  Best Kitchen Cookware Set on the Market Now?

  Calpholon is just all clad made in china. To my understanding. I like my calpholon. It would love to afford all clad as the have a 5 ply. I use My whole set

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• #49Apr 12, 2025

  hex clad pots/pans worth the price?

  #1 and #4 are mutually exclusive. Nonstick can't be bifl, IMO. Best for me is a new Calphalon frypan every couple of years. A big one is $25 at Home Goods. I believe they degrade faster and scratch more easily at high heat. After they lose that glossy surface, they go downhill.

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• #50Apr 7, 2025

  Best Cooking Pans Now? Recommendation?

  I have a set of Calphalon stainless I bought in 2008 that have been all over the world with me. Best pans ever! My husband gave me some Cuisinart copper-clad pans that are about 12 years old that are in great condition, as well. I like my Lodge cast iron pans better than my Griswold; however, my 10-year-old Lodge cast iron enamel dutch oven already has pits and discoloration in it--probably my fault. Do not get a green pan--not worth the hype. I have a T-fal nonstick that we bought about five years ago. It is still holding up well, but I think there is a definite shelf-life for nonstick pans.

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• #51Apr 6, 2025

  NYT just put out a list of their BIFL picks

  Calphalon is what we use for our pots and pans - in addition to a Lodge cast iron pan, a Staub Dutch oven, and an unknown ceramic omelet pan. Really comfortable stay-cool handles, etc. I DO NOT understand the obsession with all clad..

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• #52Feb 6, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  So many things... \- I bought a craftsman circular saw when I built my house 40 years ago and it burned out the first day. I replaced it with a Makita saw that I still use to this day. \- I also bought a Robot Coupe food processor around the same time and it's still chugging away. \- Sturdy oak furniture - had it all my life. \- Good pots and pans and cookware. (Calphalon, Le Creuset, cast iron) \- Weber grill \- I have a GE refrigerator in my garage that's probably 70 years old and still runs fine. ($35) And no, they don't make them like that anymore.

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• #53Feb 3, 2025

  What brand / type of pots & pans are worth investing in as a young adult?

  Calphalon or vintage Revereware.

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• #54Feb 3, 2025

  What brand / type of pots & pans are worth investing in as a young adult?

  Thrifted old Calaphon. And thrifted Le Creuset, because I’m not rich.

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• #55Feb 3, 2025

  What brand / type of pots & pans are worth investing in as a young adult?

  If you have to buy a set, buy the smallest set you can get so you aren't buying things you don't need/won't use. I've always bought my pots and pans individually. You buy one at a time. You buy the thing you actually want, not what's included in the set. Your stovetop is not a display for prestige so don't worry about matching. I've got pots of varying quality. Paderno, Lagostina, Calphalon, Le Creuset, and just got a Lodge skillet as a giveaway. There's one or two others in there, including some random ones that have been passed around the whole family over decades and refuse to die that you'd never have thought were BIFL. So buy good quality open stock sizes and shapes that you see yourself reaching for day in and day out based on what you regularly cook. I make big batches of soup, stew, and spaghetti sauce so I have multiple stock pots and Dutch ovens I use all the time. If you don't make stuff like that it'll be in your way. I've got two pasta pots because we combined yeah households. We use them a lot, but if you won't use them don't get them. When I was buying for myself I bought a great 2L Calphalon saucepan because it has a small footprint and that meant I didn't also need a 1L saucepan. To this day I regret not purchasing a 13" lidded Calphalon skillet when I worked at a kitchen store because I frequently want a huge skillet with a lid because I like to make large batches of things, and/or put multiple parts of the meal in the same pan. Just pointing out kind of how I know what kinds of things I want. Ask yourself about what you cook, and how you cook it, and what kinds of pots and pans you keep going "you know what would be really great? One of these!" about. Buy the best version you can of those things, one at a time. If you need more pots and pans right now because you just don't have enough, get a cheap set and gradually replace/augment with open stock.

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• #56Feb 3, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  I only use Calphalon, mainly the kitchen essentials set. But I absolutely love every piece they make. Both my kids got a set when they moved out. And I have tried a lot of other brands.

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• #57Feb 3, 2025

  What brand / type of pots & pans are worth investing in as a young adult?

  thrift stainless steel pans. they’re an ideal thrift item. 1. stainless has a learning curve if you’ve relied on coated pans, so often people will buy a set, have a bad experience and get rid of them. 2.  burnt on carbon can be removed with an oxy cleaner, enzymatic cleaner, or barkeepers friend. 3. They just cook better than coated pans, and are lighter than cast iron. 4. important-  Make sure they are not warped. Put the pan on the ground and see if it wobbles.  Rounded pans are fine on a gas range, but if you have a glass top like Im currently stuck with, the pans won’t heat as well.  5. trust in a weighty pan, the heavy pans sear better and are more resilient to warping.  Look for Calphalon, All-Clad, or Viking to start.  The older Emeril Legasse pans were made by all clad as well. I’ve never paid more than $12 or $16 for a pan, and usually it’s closer to $5 per. 

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• #58Feb 3, 2025

  What brand / type of pots & pans are worth investing in as a young adult?

  Buy the pieces separately you use the most. Most times you'll get pieces in sets you'll never use. Calphalon stainless is nice. If you want to tick off Trump, there is Meyer cookware from Canada that's beautiful. Handy tip. Whatever you buy, make sure it has either a rim or pouring spout. Straight sided pans pour straight down the side and make a mess. I see it all the time on cooking shows with chefs using their $300 All-Clad saucepans.

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• #59Feb 3, 2025

  What brand / type of pots & pans are worth investing in as a young adult?

  This. I have used my Calphalon pots and my Lodge skillet regularly for 20-25 years now and all of the pieces look new. I’d recommend Calphalon tri-ply in either a small set or just get a 3-3.5 qt. pot (for pasta or to hold a steamer basket) and a 1qt pot (I use this all the time for reheating soup, melting butter for popcorn, etc,), a 10” Lodge skillet, and an 8” or 10” T-Fal non stick pan (for eggs, etc.). It is helpful to find a casserole dish that you like as well, HIC makes nice ones that are inexpensive and often rated for broiler use. Also, pick up a container of Barkeeper’s Friend powder to keep the Calphalon shiny and beautiful.

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• #60Feb 3, 2025

  What brand / type of pots & pans are worth investing in as a young adult?

  I have some good Calphalon that I bought circa 2000 (not the stuff with the shitty handles that can't go into the oven, but the stuff that you can shove the whole thing under the broiler). I've been using it heavily since then and it still in fantastic condition. Other than the one non-stick pan I replace every 18 months or so I don't expect to buy cookware again in this lifetime. I want to say back when I bought it a whole quarter of a century ago individual pieces went for between 100 and $150. I picked them up on sale and with discounts and rebates and even found one brand new and a thrift store once for 20 bucks. I have absolutely no regrets on this purchase. I had people telling me it was overkill for a fresh out of college kid to buy these pots and pans but I'm now nearing 50 and all my friends are bitching that even their decent pots and pans are in bad shape and everything needs replacing and I'm just standing here stirring some tomato soup in my big saucepan while typing this message.

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• #61Feb 2, 2025

  What brand / type of pots & pans are worth investing in as a young adult?

  Everyone is gonna have a different opinion. Buy in pieces, not sets. Buy what makes you happy to cook the things you like to cook. Also keep in your head that it should work on induction if at all possible. For me I have 2 LC 5.5's and an oval LC I think he's 7qt but don't hold me to that. And a 10" lodge cast iron and USE it it will look just as good as those vintage pans if you just use the thing and not listen to people whining about how they aren't polished anymore - it works the same. I have been rocking a basic set of Farberware that I got for my wedding 20+ years ago and a couple older pieces of it from bronx-made that I got at thrift shops. I did recently buy a bunch of basic calphalon because I needed to cook on an induction burner (LC and CI will work on induction... farberware apparently doesn't) Is the tri-ply nice? Sure. If I was younger I'd probably spend the money but now that I have the money I don't really think it would make a difference. I have a single Cuisinart saucepan I do enjoy a lot. Most of the use of my 1-3 qt potst is by my kids making ramen or mac and cheese so I really don't care. I'll use the cuisinart to make a quick gravy but the regular pots are fine for a bechamel or something. I have also had revere ware from a college roommate that I thrifted because it was too hodgepodge but that stuff was nice. I kind of want one of those hexclad frying pans, but there's litereally no need. Gotta separate needs/wants and weigh against how much space you actually have to store this stuff. I have a bunch of different sized lodge dutch ovens that while I don't regret them I really don't use them and they are a bear to store. I do have a tiny little non-enameled dutch oven that I literally only use to cook beans when I'm grilling. I could just as easily microwave the beans or bake them in a pyrex dish lol but the little bean pot makes me happy. You don't heed expensive pots to cook good food, you need to know how to use whatever material/type you've got (within reason obviously. I don't think anything I have or have had was "crappy" with the exception of the flecked black stock pot I used to have that I literally melted to an electric coil burner because I forgot about it, but that thing was fine for making pasta... lol)

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• #62Feb 2, 2025

  What brand / type of pots & pans are worth investing in as a young adult?

  Cast Iron or 18/10 stainless steel (double walled bottom with aluminum core). Steel will be pricier, but if you choose well, it will last decades. T-fal, calphalon, both have good stuff. Macy’s Tools of the trade used to have some great options but all locations near me have gutted their kitchenware departments. Buy one piece at a time. All you need is a saute pan, a stock pot and a sauce pan. Buy the largest you can reasonably afford. Cast iron get a dutch oven and a skillet. Dutch oven can be used in the oven or on stove top if for example your oven malfunctions, as well as outside at a campfire.

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• #63Feb 2, 2025

  What brand / type of pots & pans are worth investing in as a young adult?

  Upvote for Calphalon tri-ply 

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• #64Feb 2, 2025

  What brand / type of pots & pans are worth investing in as a young adult?

  I would avoid purchasing a big set and instead buy pieces you need as you need them. I purchased a big set of stainless steel Calphalon pans a couple of decades ago and while they're still in great condition and I use them all the time, several pans in the set never got used so I donated them. Wirecutter probably has a brand they recommend for basic stainless steel stuff. Also, grab a decent sized Lodge skillet, griddle, and Dutch oven. Also, a ceramic cast iron pot is super useful.

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• #65Feb 2, 2025

  Best pot and pan set

  I have had a Calphalon pan and saucepan since the early 90s, maybe commercial grade. They'd be in better shape if I'd known not to put them in the dishwasher but they're still quite serviceable. I have another 3-4qt pot since the early 00s that a got at a thrift store that's also solid. Unfortunately because they'd anodized aluminum they won't work with an induction stove, which seems to be where the future is going. Cast iron can also be a good choice if you can season it and keep the seasoning in good shape. Also can't be cleaned in the dishwasher, so we don't use those as much as we might. Ceramic/porcelain/enamel over cast iron (like Le Crueset) can also be good. We have a Scanpan which is also nice. IIRC it has an enamel lining for non stick, maybe an aluminum choose core for heat distribution in a stainless steel shell. -- Wil

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• #66Feb 1, 2025

  Buy Once Cry Once items?

  My products are Henkel 4Star knives an Calphalon pro hard anodized without the nonstick coating. Bought sets of both with wedding money in 1997. They are still in great shape and I use them all the time. I’m not sure the pro nonstick is manufactured anymore but I’ve found them second hand too.

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• #67Jan 6, 2025

  Pots and pans that last?

  Calphalon anodized aluminum. Love every piece and they'll never wear out. Had 'em for at least 30 years.

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• #68Jan 3, 2025

  Got a $200 all-clad pan for $1.50 at the goodwill bins

  I have really big hands and the handles still suck for me. I've found several at thrift stores over the years and ended up getting rid of them all in favor of Calphalons just because of the handles.

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• #69Jan 2, 2025

  Stainless steel cookware recommendations?

  Viking first, Calphalon second. If you’re shopping at the discount stores. Be sure you’re happy with the handles. I will add that for a pricier option Madein is great and gorgeous, but definitely pricier. I would take a full rocked Madein over a full priced All-Clad. All-Clad does not outperform any respectable cookware by the same factor that it out prices them. But if you have the money go nuts. There are some great deals to be had and I’ve seen plenty of people get items from their second sales in exceptional condition.

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• #70Dec 5, 2015

  Redditors, what do you regret?

  Something's wrong. Wife typically gets 10, 15, even 20 years use from old-school Calphalon. It gets a lot of use. Some are bit worn, still serviceable. Try avoiding low-end brands, metal tools, and strong temperature shocks.

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• #71Dec 2, 2015

  Kitchen knife for personal use

  I started with an Oneida 8" chef's knife before moving on from there. Both my Calphalon and Wüsthof knives are solid, but between those two, the [Wüsthof](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005MEGC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_suTxwb0D9QJ8Q) is the one I could see using decades from now. It's a 10" knife and feels like an extension of my arm when using it. With regular honing and sharpening as well as cleaning it outside a dishwasher, I think that one will last a long, long time.

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